EP4387861A1

EP4387861A1 - Control of the use of switches for coupling an electrical energy source of a vehicle to an electrical supply system

Info

Publication number: EP4387861A1
Application number: EP22744238.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Olivier BALENGHIEN
Original assignee: Stellantis Auto SAS
Current assignee: Stellantis Auto SAS
Priority date: 2021-08-17
Filing date: 2022-06-15
Publication date: 2024-06-26
Also published as: FR3126209A1; CN117813211A; WO2023021248A1

Abstract

A control method is implemented in a vehicle comprising an electrical energy source, an electrical supply system, and switches able to adopt closed and open states in which they couple and decouple the source to/from the electrical supply system, respectively. This method comprises a step (10-50) in which a value of a counter is incremented by a chosen number each time the switches are put into at least one of the closed state and open state, and, when the value of this counter is greater than a first threshold, a user of the vehicle is alerted to a need to check said vehicle with an after-sales service.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: CONTROL OF THE USE OF SWITCHES FOR COUPLING A VEHICLE ELECTRIC POWER SOURCE TO A POWER SUPPLY NETWORK

5 The present invention claims the priority of French application No. 2108735 filed on 17.08.2021, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to vehicles comprising a source of electrical energy responsible for supplying an electrical supply network, and more specifically the control of the use of switches ensuring the coupling/decoupling of the source to the electrical supply network in such vehicles.

STATE OF THE ART Certain vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, comprise a source of electrical energy responsible for supplying electrical current to an electrical power supply network. For example, this power supply network can supply, in particular, an on-board network and at least one electric motor machine of the powertrain (or GMP) of its vehicle. The source of electrical energy may, for example, be a fuel cell or a rechargeable battery (known as "main" and sometimes called "traction battery") which can be recharged by an on-board battery charger when the latter has been coupled to an alternating current power source, such as for example a charging station, a wall box 5 (or “wallbox”) or a wall socket, via a charging cable. For example, in the case of a main battery supporting so-called mode 2 or 3 recharges, the nominal (i.e. normal) input voltage is approximately 220 V and the output voltage is about 450 V (in this case it is said to be medium voltage). 0 In the following and above, the term "on-board network" means a sub-part of the electrical supply network which includes electrical (or electronic) equipment (or components) consuming electrical energy and being "non-priority(s)" or "safe(s)" (and therefore priority(ies) ). For example, the voltage within the on-board network can

5 be between 12 V and 48 V (in this case it is said to be very low voltage).

When the source of electrical energy is of the low or medium voltage type (typically between 350 V and 600 V), it can supply very high direct currents (or DC (“Direct Current”)), which can be prove to be dangerous for the users of a vehicle, in particular when a short circuit occurs or during a charging phase. There is a risk of electrocution and/or burns. In order to limit this risk, it has been proposed to equip vehicles with switches (or circuit breakers) which are capable of assuming a closed state in which they couple the source of electrical energy5 to the electrical power supply network and a state open in which they decouple the source of electrical energy from the electrical supply network in order to isolate it. The closed state is authorized when the vehicle is in a rolling phase or in a phase of recharging the source of electrical energy, and throughout the duration of the placing of the switches in the closed state, one permanently realizes in the vehicle monitoring of decoupling (or insulation) faults to avoid any risk of electrocution.

These switches have a lifetime which depends at least on the number of times they are activated, i.e. when they are subject to a transition from the open state to the closed state or from the closed state to the open state. They are therefore designed to be activated a very high average number of times, typically between 80,000 and 200,000. have a high probability of no longer being able to be activated and therefore of remaining in the open state which prohibits the rolling of the vehicle0 or in the closed state which prevents the decoupling (or isolation) of the source of electrical energy.

When the GMP of a vehicle is all-electric or hybrid, the activation of the source switches (of electrical energy) is much more frequent than when the GMP is purely thermal. Consequently, the risk that the source switches of a vehicle can no longer be activated before the expiry of the average service life of the latter is notably greater when the GMP is of the all-electric or hybrid type. Gold,

5 currently as long as the source switches of a vehicle have not become inactive, the users of this vehicle cannot be informed, which can prove dangerous in the event of blocking in the closed state. The aim of the invention is therefore in particular to improve the situation.

Presentation of the invention

In particular, it proposes for this purpose a control method intended to be implemented in a vehicle comprising a source of electrical energy, an electrical power supply network, and switches capable of assuming closed and open states in which they respectively couple and decouple the source to/from the power supply network.

This control method is characterized in that it comprises a step in which a value of a counter is incremented by a chosen number each time the switches have been placed in at least one of the closed state and open state. , and, when the value of this counter is greater than a first threshold, a user of the vehicle is alerted of a need to check the latter in an after-sales service.

Thus, it is now possible to control (or monitor) the number of uses of the switches, in order to alert the users of the vehicle as soon as the risk of impossibility of activating these switches becomes too great5 given the average number of activations that the latter are supposed to be able to support theoretically.

The control method according to the invention may comprise other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular: 0 - in its step, the value of the counter can be incremented by a chosen number each time the switches have been placed in the closed state or in the open state;

- in its stage, the first threshold can be between 148000 and 248000; - In its step, when the value of the counter is greater than a second threshold, greater than the first threshold, it is possible to impose a placement of the switches in the open state in order to prohibit the supply of the electrical supply network;

5 - in the presence of the last option, in its step the second threshold can be between 150000 and 250000;

- in its step, the value of the counter can be incremented by a number which is chosen according to a value of a current supplied by the source to the power supply network after placing the switches in the closed or just state before placing the switches in the open state;

- in the presence of the last option, in its step the number of increments can be chosen from among N numbers associated respectively with N successive intervals of current values supplied, with N > 3.

The invention also proposes a computer program product comprising5 a set of instructions which, when it is executed by processing means, is capable of implementing a control method of the type of that presented above for controlling , in a vehicle comprising a source of electrical energy, an electrical power supply network, and switches capable of assuming closed and open states in which they respectively couple and decouple the source to/from the electrical power supply network, the number placement of the switches in at least one of the closed state and the open state. The invention also proposes a control device intended to equip a vehicle comprising a source of electrical energy, an electrical power supply network, and switches capable of assuming closed and open states5 in which respectively they couple and decouple the source to the /from the power supply network.

This control device is characterized in that it comprises at least one processor and at least one memory arranged to perform the operations consisting in incrementing a value of a counter by a chosen number each time the switches have been placed in at least one of the closed state and open state, and, when the value of this counter is greater than a first threshold, to trigger an alert for a user of the vehicle of a need to check the latter in an after service -sale. The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automotive type, and comprising a source of electrical energy, an electrical power supply network, switches capable of taking closed and open states in which they respectively couple and decouple the source

5 to/from the power supply network, and a control device of the type presented above.

Brief description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examination of the detailed description below, and of the appended drawings, in which:

[Fig. 1] schematically and functionally illustrates an embodiment of a vehicle comprising a GMP, with an electric drive machine powered by a main rechargeable battery, and a control device according to the invention, 5 [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm implementing a control method according to the invention, and

[Fig. 3] schematically and functionally illustrates an embodiment of a computer of a management box comprising a control device according to the invention. 0

Detailed description of the invention

The object of the invention is in particular to propose a control method, and an associated DC control device, intended to allow the control (or monitoring) of the number of uses of the switches (or circuit breakers) 5 DC which are charged , within a vehicle V with electric power source SE and electric power supply network RA, to couple/decouple the source SE to/from the electric power supply network RA.

In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle V is of the automobile type. This is for example a car, as illustrated in FIG. 1. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It relates in fact to any type of vehicle comprising a source of electrical energy that must supply an electrical power supply network (at least during the driving phases and the recharging phases). Thus, it concerns, by example, land vehicles (utility vehicles, motorhomes, minibuses, cars, trucks, motorcycles, road construction machinery, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, leisure machinery (snowmobile, go-kart), and caterpillar machinery, for example), boats and aircraft.

5 Furthermore, it is considered in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle V comprises a powertrain (or GMP) of the all-electric type (and therefore whose traction is ensured exclusively by at least one driving machine electric MS). But the GMP could be of the hybrid type (thermal and electric).

In addition, it is considered in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the source SE of electrical energy is a rechargeable battery (called “main”). For example, this main battery SE comprises at least two electrical energy storage modules each comprising at least one electrochemical electrical energy storage cell, 5 optionally of lithium-ion (or Li-ion) or Ni-Mh or still lead. However, the invention is not limited to this type of electrical energy source. Thus, it also relates to fuel cells, for example.

There is schematically represented in FIG. 1 a vehicle V comprising an electric GMP transmission chain, an electric power supply network RA, switches (or circuit breakers) CC, and a control device DC according to the invention.

The transmission chain has a GMP which is, here, purely electrical and therefore which comprises, in particular, an electric driving machine MME, an AM motor shaft, a source SE of electrical energy (here a rechargeable main battery5) and a shaft of AT transmission. Here, the term “electric drive machine” means an electric machine arranged so as to supply or recover torque to move the vehicle V.

The driving machine MME (here an electric motor) is coupled to the source SE, in order to be supplied with electrical energy, as well as possibly to supply this source SE with electrical energy. It is coupled to the motor shaft AM, to provide it with torque by rotational drive. This motor shaft AM is here coupled to a reducer RD which is also coupled to the transmission shaft AT, itself coupled to a first train T1 (here of wheels), of preferably via a D1 differential.

This first train T1 is here located in the front part PW of the vehicle V. But in a variant this first train T 1 could be the one which is here referenced T2 and which is located in the rear part PRV of the vehicle V.

5 For example, the source SE (here a main battery) can be of the low voltage type (typically 450 V for illustrative purposes). But it could be medium voltage or high voltage.

When the source SE is a main battery, it can be recharged via a battery charger connected to a charging connector fitted to the vehicle V in a part of its bodywork and to which is connected a charging cable also connected (temporarily or permanently ) to an alternating current power source, during a charging phase. This source (of alternating current power supply) can be, for example, a charging station, a wall box (or wallbox) or a wall socket5.

Furthermore, at least when the source SE is a main battery, it is responsible for supplying electrical energy to a converter CV so that it converts it into electrical energy that can be used by an on-board network RB forming part of the network of RA power supply. 0 This CV converter can also be used to recharge an SE source constituting a main (or traction) battery, except in the case of so-called “mode 4” charging. Indeed, in the latter case the main battery SE can be recharged directly by a terminal adapted to mode 4 and supplying direct current (or DC) directly to the main battery SE5 without using the converter CV.

The on-board network RB is an electrical power supply network which includes electrical (or electronic) equipment (or components) which consume electrical energy (generally of the very low voltage type (typically 12 V, 24 V or 48 V) ). 0 The switches (or circuit breakers) CC are installed between the source SE (here a main battery) and the electrical power supply network RA (and in particular the converter CV and the electric motor machine MME). These switches CC are capable of adopting a closed state in which they couple the source SE to the power supply network RA and an open state in which they decouple the source SE from the power supply network RA in order to isolate it. The closed state is allowed when the vehicle V is in a phase

5 rolling or in a recharging phase of the SE source.

The management of the source SE can, as illustrated in FIG. 1, be ensured by a management unit BG (sometimes called BMS (“Battery Management System”). This management unit BG comprises a computer CB which is in particular responsible for send commands to the DC switches intended to place them in the open state or the closed state according to the needs of the moment.

It will be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 1, that the vehicle V can also comprise a service battery BS responsible for supplying electrical energy to the on-board network RB, in addition to that supplied by the converter CV (powered by source SE). For example, this service battery BS can be arranged in the form of a very low voltage type battery (typically 12 V, 24 V or 48 V). It is rechargeable at least by the CV converter. It is considered in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the service battery BS is of the 12 V Lithium-ion type. It will also be noted that in the example illustrated without limitation in FIG. a distribution box BD to which the service battery BS, the converter CV and the on-board network RB are coupled. This distribution box BD is responsible for distributing in the on-board network RB the electrical energy stored in the service battery BS ou5 produced by the converter CV, for supplying the electrical components (or equipment) according to requests for power received.

As mentioned above, the invention proposes in particular a control method intended to allow the control of the number of uses of the switches CC within the vehicle V. 0 This method (of control) can be implemented at least partially by the DC control device (illustrated in Figures 1 and 3) which comprises for this purpose at least one processor PR1, for example digital signal (or DSP ("Digital Signal Processor")), and at least one memory MD. This device of DC control can therefore be implemented in the form of a combination of electrical or electronic circuits or components (or “hardware”) and software modules (or “software”).

The MD memory is RAM in order to store instructions for the implementation

5 by the processor PR1 of at least part of the control process. The processor PR1 can comprise integrated (or printed) circuits, or else several integrated (or printed) circuits connected by wired or wireless connections. By integrated (or printed) circuit is meant any type of device capable of performing at least one electrical or electronic operation.

In the example illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 1 and 3, the control device DC is part of the computer CB of the management box BG which manages the source SE. But this is not mandatory. Indeed, the control device DC could comprise its own dedicated computer, which is then coupled to the computer CB. 5 As illustrated without limitation in Figure 2, the method (of control), according to the invention, comprises at least one control step 10-50 which is implemented as soon as the vehicle V has been fully assembled, and therefore ready to be used.

In this step 10-50 one (the control device DC) increments in a0 sub-step 10 the value vc of a counter by a number ni chosen each time the switches CC have been placed in at least one of the closed state and open state. For example, it is the computer CB of the management box BG which can inform the control device DC of each placement of the switches CC in at least one of the closed and open states. 5 Then, when the value vc of the counter is greater than a first threshold s1 one (the control device DC) can, in a sub-step 40 of step 10-50, alert a user of the vehicle V of a need verification of the latter (V) in an after-sales service.

For example, and as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 2, step 10-500 can comprise a sub-step 20 in which one (the control device DC) compares the value vc of the counter with the first threshold s1 after each incrementation of the counter of the number of increments ni chosen (in a sub-step 10). It will be understood that each time the value vc of the counter remains lower than the first threshold s1 , the control process is temporarily interrupted (or put on hold (or "standby"), until the switches CC are placed again in one of the less of the closed state and the open state, and in this case the sub-step 10 is repeated.

5 It will also be understood that it is at least the processor PR1 and memory MD of the control device DC which are arranged to perform the operations consisting in incrementing the value vc of the counter by a number of increments ni chosen each time the switches CC have been placed in at least one of the closed state and open state, and, when the value vc of the counter is greater than the first threshold s1, to trigger the alert of a user of the vehicle V of a need to verify the latter (V) in an after-sales service. The purpose of this alert is to encourage the user to quickly bring his vehicle V to an after-sales service in order to determine the origin of the alert. 5 The alert can be given by display of a general service warning light or one dedicated to the source SE, possibly in a red color, or of a general or dedicated text alert message on a screen of the vehicle V, such as by example that of the dashboard or that of the central handset, and/or by broadcasting a dedicated sound (or audio) alert message via at least one loudspeaker present in the vehicle V. Preferably, the display of an alert continues as long as the vehicle V has not been inspected by an after-sales service.

It should be noted that in addition to the user alert, it is also possible to store in a memory of the vehicle V (for example a ROM of the management box BG) a first fault code representative of this alert and its cause). Thus, when a technician consults the fault log of the vehicle V, he can immediately understand that the problem comes from the exceeding of the first threshold s1 of the counter of activations of the switches CC.

Thanks to the invention, it is now possible to control (or monitor) the number of uses of the switches CC, in order to alert the users of the vehicle V as soon as it is estimated that the risk of impossibility of activating the CC switches becomes too large (vc > s1 ) given the average number of activations that the latter (CC) are supposed to be able to support in theone.

Preferably, in step 10-50 one (the control device DC) can increment the value vc of the counter by a chosen number ni each time the switches CC have been placed in the closed state or in the state open.

5 In this case, each placement in the closed state is incremented by a number ni chosen and each placement in the open state is incremented by a number ni chosen (possibly different from that of the previous placement, as will see later). But in a variant embodiment, one could proceed to an incrementation of a number ni chosen only at each placement in the open state. In another variant embodiment, it would be possible to increment a number ni chosen only at each placement in the closed state.

For example, in step 10-50 the first threshold s1 can be between 148000 and 248000. It will be understood that the value of the first threshold s1 is chosen5 according to the average number of activations that the switches CC are supposed to be able to support in theory. By way of example, when the average number of activations is equal to 150000, it is possible, for example, to use a first threshold s1 equal to 148000, when the average number of activations is equal to 200000, it is possible, for example , use a first threshold s1 equal to 198000, and0 when the average number of activations is equal to 250000, it is possible, for example, to use a first threshold s1 equal to 248000.

It will be noted that in step 10-50, when the value vc of the counter is greater than a second threshold s2, which is greater than the first threshold s1, one (the control device DC) can in a sub-step 50 impose a placement5 of the switches CC in the open state in order to prohibit the supply of the power supply network RA by the source SE. It is considered that the risk of impossibility of activating the switches CC has become much too great (vc > s2) given the average number of activations that the latter (CC) are supposed to be able to support in theory, and therefore on0 definitively prevents the supply of the power supply network RA by the source SE.

The second threshold s2 can, for example, be chosen substantially equal to the average number of activations that the switches CC are supposed to be able to withstand in theone. Thus, in step 10-50, the second threshold s2 can be between 150,000 and 250,000. By way of example, when the average number of activations is equal to 150,000, it is possible, for example, to use a second threshold s2 equal to 150000, when the average number of activations is equal to 200000, one can, for

5 example, use a second threshold s2 equal to 200000, and when the average number of activations is equal to 250000, it is possible, for example, to use a second threshold s2 equal to 250000.

For example, and as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 2, step 10-50 can comprise a sub-step 40 in which, when the value vc of the counter is greater than the first threshold s1 in sub-step 20, one ( the control device DC) compares this value vc of the counter with the second threshold s2. It will be understood that each time the value vc of the counter remains below the second threshold s2, the user of the vehicle V is alerted in sub-step 40, then temporarily interrupted (or put on hold (or "standby")) the control method, until the switches CC are the subject of a new placement in at least one of the closed state and the open state, and in this case the sub-step 10 is repeated. On the other hand, when the value vc of the counter is greater than the second threshold s2 (vc>s2), the supply of the electrical supply network RA0 by the source SE is definitively prevented.

It will be noted that in addition to the definitive prevention of the supply of the electrical power supply network RA by the source SE, it is also possible to store in a memory of the vehicle V (for example the ROM of the management box BG) a second fault code representing this impediment and its cause. Thus, when a technician consults the fault log of the vehicle V, he can immediately understand that the problem comes from the exceeding of the second threshold s2 of the counter of activations of the switches CC.

It will also be noted that in addition to the definitive prevention of the supply of the electric power supply network RA by the source SE, it is also possible to trigger in the vehicle V an alarm signaling to at least one user of the vehicle V a problem preventing rolling of the vehicle V and therefore imperatively requiring the intervention of a repairman. The alarm can take place by displaying a general or dedicated service warning light for the source SE, possibly in red, or a general or dedicated textual alarm message on a screen of the vehicle V, such as that of the dashboard or that of the central instrument panel, and/or by

5 broadcast of a dedicated sound (or audio) alarm message via at least one loudspeaker present in the vehicle V. Preferably, the display of an alarm continues as long as the vehicle V has not been inspected in after-sales service.

Also for example, in step 10-50 one (the DC control device) can increment the value vc of the counter by a number of increments ni which is chosen according to the value of the current which is supplied by the source SE to the power supply network RA after placing the switches CC in the closed state or just before placing the switches CC in the open state. This option is intended to take into account the fact that the higher the current flowing through the DC switches, the more the wear of the latter (CC) is accelerated, and therefore the more their lifetime will be reduced. Consequently, in order to take this variable wear into account, the number of increments ni is chosen according to the current flowing through the switches CC at the time considered. 0 For example, in step 10-50 the number of increments ni can be chosen from among N numbers associated respectively with N successive intervals of current values supplied, with N > 3.

For example N can be equal to seven (7), and in this case:

- if there is an activation with a current between 0 A and 0.5 A (inclusive), the 5 value vc of the counter can be incremented by 1 (i.e. ni = +1),

- if there is an activation with a current between 0.5 A (not included) and 20 A (included), the value vc of the counter can be incremented by 2.5 (i.e. ni = +2.5),

- if there is an activation with a current between 20 A (not included) and 0 100 A (included), the value vc of the counter can be incremented by 200 (i.e. ni = +200),

- if there is an activation with a current between 100 A (not included) and 250 A (included), the value vc of the counter can be incremented by 2000 (i.e. ni = +2000),

- if there is an activation with a current between 250 A (not included) and 500 A (included), the value vc of the counter can be incremented by 6667 (i.e.

5 ni = +6667),

- if there is an activation with a current between 500 A (not included) and 750 A (included), the value vc of the counter can be incremented by 40000 (i.e. ni = +40000), and

- if there is an activation with a current between 750 A (not included) and 1000 A (included), the value vc of the counter can be incremented by 200000 (i.e. ni = +200000), which implies a direct immobilization of the vehicle V since the value vc is immediately greater than the second threshold s2.

All the above ranges of current values are given by way of illustrative example. Likewise, all the incrementation numbers ni which precede and which are respectively associated with the N intervals are given by way of illustrative example. Moreover, the number N can take any value preferably greater than or equal to three.

It will also be noted that the deletion of the display in the vehicle V of the alert triggered in the event of exceeding the first threshold s1 but not of the possible second threshold s2, can be done in an after-sales service after replacement of at least the DC switches and reset to zero of the counter, or alternatively, in the absence of replacement of the DC switches, by means of a reset (at least partial) of the counter (at the discretion5 of the technician carrying out the inspection of the vehicle V). On the other hand, in the event of exceeding the possible second threshold s2, one is forced to replace at least the switches CC in an after-sales service, then to reset the counter to zero.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 3, that the computer CB (or the computer dedicated to the control device DC) can also include a mass memory MM1, in particular for the temporary storage of any values of the current supplied by the source SE to the power supply network RA during an activation, and any intermediate data involved in all its calculations and processing. Furthermore, this computer CB (or the dedicated computer of the control device DC) can also comprise an input interface IE for receiving at least the values of the current supplied, possibly after having formatted them 5 and/or demodulated and/or amplified, in a manner known per se, by means of a digital signal processor PR2. In addition, this computer CB (or the dedicated computer of the DC control device) can also include an IS output interface, in particular for issuing alert triggering orders (and possibly fault code storage) or prohibition 0 supply of the power supply network RA by the source SE.

It will also be noted that the invention also proposes a computer program product (or computer program) comprising a set of instructions which, when it is executed by processing means of the electronic circuit (or hardware) type, such as for example the processor PR1, is capable of implementing the control method described above to control, in the vehicle V, the number of placements of the switches CC in at least one of their closed state and open state.

Claims

1 . Control method for a vehicle (V) comprising a source (SE) of electrical energy, an electrical power supply network (RA), and switches (CC) suitable for assuming closed and open states in which

5 respectively they couple and decouple said source (SE) from said/from said electrical power supply network (RA), characterized in that it comprises a step (10-50) in which a value of a counter is incremented by one number chosen each time said switches (CC) have been placed in at least one of said closed state and open state, and, when said counter value is greater than a first threshold, a user of said vehicle (V) is alerted d need to check the latter (V) in an after-sales service.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in said step (10-50) said counter value is incremented by a chosen number each time said switches (CC) have been placed in said closed state5 or in said state open.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in said step (10-50) said first threshold is between 148000 and 248000.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in said step (10-50), when said counter value is greater than 0 a second threshold, greater than said first threshold, placing said switches ( CC) in said open state in order to prohibit the supply of said power supply network (RA).

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that in said step (10-50) said second threshold is between 150000 and 250000. 5

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in said step (10-50) said value of the counter is incremented by a number which is chosen according to a value of a current supplied by said source (SE) to said power supply network (RA) after placing said switches (CC) in said closed state or just before placing said switches (CC) in said open state.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that in said step (10-50) said number of increments is chosen from among N numbers respectively associated with N successive intervals of supplied current values, with N > 3.

8. Computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is capable of implementing

5 implements the control method according to one of claims 1 to 7 for controlling, in a vehicle (V) comprising a source (SE) of electrical energy, an electrical power supply network (RA), and switches (CC ) suitable for assuming closed and open states in which respectively they couple and decouple said source (SE) from said/from said electric power supply network (RA), the number of times said switches (CC) are placed in at least one of said states closed and open.

9. Control device (DC) for a vehicle (V) comprising a source (SE) of electrical energy, an electrical power supply network (RA), and switches (CC) capable of assuming closed and open states in which respectively couple and decouple said source (SE) to said/from said electrical power supply network (RA), characterized in that it comprises at least one processor (PR2) and at least one memory (MD2) arranged to perform the operations consisting in incrementing a value of a counter by a chosen number each time said switches (CC) have been placed in at least one of the closed state and open state, and, when said counter value is greater than a first threshold, to trigger an alert from a user of said vehicle (V) of a need to check the latter (V) in an after-sales service.

10. Vehicle (V) comprising a source (SE) of electrical energy, an electrical power supply network (RA), and switches (CC) suitable for assuming closed and open states in which they respectively couple and decouple said source (SE) to said electrical power supply network (RA), characterized in that it further comprises a control device (DC) according to claim 9. 0